"This is the end of an era," said Councilwoman Blair Bravo during the bittersweet Mountain Lakes Borough Council’s reorganization meeting.

Three veteran public servants – Charles Gormally, George Jackson and Stephen Shaw — all having served on the Council and as mayor during their collective 32 years as borough officials, were stepping down and three political newcomers were taking their places.

"The history, knowledge and experience they take with them will be missed but they are a testament to the love we have for this town," Bravo said including three retiring committee chairpersons in her statement: Joan Best and Susan Marshall of the Shade Tree Commission and James Bailey from the Traffic and Safety Committee.

This year, four of the seven Council terms, which include mayor and deputy mayor, expired. Gormally, Shaw and Jackson chose not to seek re-election. G. Douglas McWilliams ran successfully for another term. Also elected were Republicans Frank Borin, Jason Bradlee and John Lester. The four successful candidates took the oath of office and then assumed their seats on the dais.

In two unanimous votes, former Deputy Mayor Dan Happer was elected mayor and McWilliams was elected deputy mayor.

Bravo nominated Happer for mayor.

"Dan has been on the Council since 2008 and in that time he has done a lot of work on finance, personnel and recreation," she said. "He has also worked tirelessly on the [municipal] budget and collaboratively with the school board. He is dedicated, speaks with reason, knows how to get things done and he asks the hard questions. The nomination was seconded by McWilliams.

Councilman Peter Holmberg nominated McWilliams, a former fire chief and a life-long resident of Mountain Lakes, as deputy mayor.

"He has served the Council in a great fashion," said Holmberg.

Happer seconded the nomination noting that he and McWilliams joined the Council around the same time.

"Doug and I were in the freshman class together," he said.

There were some teary eyes and lots of laughs as each of the departing Council members said goodbye.

Gormally said his farewell message was one of "thanks and gratitude."

"The running of Mountain Lakes is a serious business," he said. "I’ve done my best to keep it safe, strong and a great place to raise a family."

He noted that over the past eight years that he’s been in office, the borough has gone through four managers; had state aid reduced; seen the worst real estate recession in recent history; had an amazing centennial celebration; and saw two 100-year storms.

"And through all of that," Gormally said, "my singular focus has been doing what’s best for the people that call Mountain Lakes their home."

He thanked all of the volunteers who participated by giving their time and energy, and all of the dedicated borough employees. Gormally ended by sharing his confidence in the new Council and forecasting, "The road ahead will present challenges, not insurmountable challenges but more financial and infrastructure issues are ahead."

In his goodbye Jackson said, "It has been an honor and a pleasure to serve this very special town over the past 12 years." He explained that it is very important who you do things with, "and I’ve had the please of working with outstanding people."

Jackson specifically named Robert Tovo [borough manager], Mark Prusina [DPW director], former borough manager Gary Webb and all of the Council people.

"Charlie, Steve, Blair and I, we sort of grew up together [on the Council]," he said, "and maintained the character of the town. It’s been an awesome ride."

He added that often people say things are not as good when they get older but that doesn’t hold true here. "Mountain Lakes is as good if not better than ever," said Jackson.